Minister Lipavský Attends EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels
18.11.2024 / 18:44 | Aktualizováno: 18.11.2024 / 20:07
On Monday, November 18, 2024, the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) held its regular meeting in Brussels. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský joined his EU counterparts to discuss Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, Georgia, the Horn of Africa, and EU-U.S. relations. Ministers also approved a second package of sanctions in response to Iran’s delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia, which are being used against Ukraine. Minister Lipavský also met with the proposed future EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot.
"Economic support from China to Russia or any direct arms deliveries are unacceptable. The same applies to Iran. The EU must respond to this," Minister Lipavský said after the discussion on Russian aggression, which was also joined via videoconference by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.
In the debate on the Middle East, the Czech Foreign Minister rejected calls to end political dialogue between the EU and Israel. Lipavský stressed the importance of finding ways to ensure a steady flow of humanitarian aid to Palestinian territories through dialogue with Israel.
Ministers also discussed the post-election situation in Georgia. Lipavský called for a thorough investigation into all irregularities reported during the October parliamentary elections and emphasized Czechia's active support for Georgian civil society and independent media.
The Council also focused on EU-U.S. relations. "The new U.S. administration has a rather bold agenda that will impact relations between the U.S. and Europe—be it in terms of responsibility for our security, defence spending, or trade policy. We need to prepare for this and ensure we can safeguard our own interests," Lipavský stated.
The Council adopted additional sanctions against Iranian entities, targeting one individual and four companies. These sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans within the EU.
On the sidelines of the Council, Minister Lipavský met with Kaja Kallas, the designated EU High Representative, and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, congratulating him on his recent appointment and expressing interest in continued cooperation.
Lipavský concluded his working visit by participating in the Václav Havel European Dialogues at the Prague House in Brussels. Reflecting on the significance of November 17, he also warned against Russia's aggressive ideology, which attacks the very roots of European democracies.